📘 REGIONAL INTEGRATION (CSEC Social Studies –
SECTION C)
🔹 What is Regional Integration?
Regional integration is the process by which neighboring countries enter into an agreement to
cooperate economically, politically, socially, or culturally to achieve mutual benefits.
🔹 Goals of Regional Integration
Promote economic growth and development.
Reduce dependency on external nations.
Foster unity and cooperation among member states.
Create a larger market for goods and services.
Enhance bargaining power on the global stage.
🔹 Reasons for Regional Integration
1. Small size of Caribbean states – Limited resources and small economies.
2. Common history and culture – Colonial past, language, and customs.
3. Geographical proximity – Close location makes collaboration easier.
4. Economic challenges – High debt, unemployment, and dependency on imports.
5. To compete globally – Together, countries can compete better in international trade.
🔹 Benefits of Regional Integration
Larger markets for Caribbean products.
Increased trade among member states.
Job opportunities across borders.
Pooling of resources (e.g., natural resources, education).
Stronger voice in international forums.
Shared cost of development projects (e.g., transportation, education).
Free movement of people, goods, and services (e.g., under CSME).
🔹 Challenges of Regional Integration
Unequal distribution of benefits – Larger or more developed countries may benefit
more.
Migration issues – Fear of job loss to foreigners.
Political differences – Conflicts in policies or leadership styles.
Language barriers – Spanish, Dutch, French, and English are spoken in different
territories.
Economic competition – Countries may compete instead of cooperate.
Lack of commitment from member states.
🔹 Major Caribbean Integration Movements
Year
Organization Purpose
Formed
CARIFTA (Caribbean Free Trade
1965 Promote free trade among members.
Association)
Strengthen integration in trade, health,
CARICOM (Caribbean Community) 1973
education, and more.
CSME (Caribbean Single Market Allow free movement of goods, services,
2006
and Economy) capital, and skilled labor.
OECS (Organisation of Eastern Deepen integration among Eastern Caribbean
1981
Caribbean States) states.
🔹 CARICOM Institutions and Their Roles
Institution Role
Final court of appeal and interprets CARICOM
CCJ (Caribbean Court of Justice)
laws.
CXC (Caribbean Examinations Council) Sets and administers regional exams.
UWI (University of the West Indies) Provides tertiary education to Caribbean nationals.
CARPHA (Caribbean Public Health
Handles regional health matters.
Agency)
CDB (Caribbean Development Bank) Funds development projects.
🔹 CSME Key Features
Free movement of skilled labor – Teachers, nurses, artists, etc.
Right of establishment – Start businesses in any member country.
Free movement of goods and services – No import/export taxes.
Harmonized laws and policies – For smoother cooperation.
🔹 Actions Taken to Promote Integration
Establishing CARICOM passport.
Launching the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).
Harmonizing education through CXC and UWI.
Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) to celebrate culture.
Regional sports tournaments (e.g., CARIFTA Games).
🔹 Role of Citizens in Supporting Integration
Promote and participate in regional cultural events.
Encourage buying Caribbean-made products.
Advocate for policies that support unity.
Respect and welcome Caribbean neighbors.
Educate others about the benefits of integration.
